October 13, 2010 L82 had a new calf: L116
The Center for Whale Research has shared the results of their 2010 summer Orca Survey, with the sad news that we have lost 3 adult orcas and one calf this year.
Missing and presumed dead are:
L114, new calf born to L77 in February 2010, missing when the whales returned in June.
L73/Flash, a male born in 1986, missing summer 2010 (male in above photo).
L74/Saanich, a male also born in 1986, missing summer 2010.
K11/Georgia, a female estimated to be born in 1933, last observed in May 2010.
(Source Orca network)
This morning we encountered L72 and L105 carrying a dead killer whale calf off the west side of San Juan Island. We followed the whales for just over 6 hours, and most of the time the calf was not visible, but on occasion L72 would lift the calf out of the water when she was surfacing. When we were able to see the calf L72 appeared to either be pushing it in front of her balanced on her rostrum or would be carrying the calf on the top of her head, but the calf was negatively buoyant, so had probably not been dead for long. Although L105, L72's ~6 year old son, was within 50 or 100 m for most of the time, we did not see L105 interacting with the dead calf. Based on the size of the calf (approximately 6-7') we suspect it was near-term but no way to know whether it was stillborn or born alive and died shortly afterward. Upon surfacing L72 would frequently appear to 'drop' the calf and both whales would stop and dive deep to recover it. From the photos it appears the calf was a female, and the umbilical is still attached and clearly visible. When we left the whales early this evening L72 still had the calf with her.
Robin Baird, Cascadia Research, Olympia, WA
August 18, 2010 L47 had a new calf: L115.
The latest member of L pod was first seen August 6 from Lime Kiln Lighthouse. The calf was photographed by Jeanne Hyde. After an encounter with L pod on the August 13th, the Center was able to confirm that the calf belongs to L47. This is the 7th known calf born to L47. Two of those calves are still alive, L83 and L91. L47 is also a grandmother to L83's calf L110.
Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
February, 2010 - K43 born to K12. K43 was first photographed February 21, 2010 by Jeanne Hyde and was photographed with mom K12 on June 8, 2010 in Haro Strait.
February 21, 2010. L114 born to L77. L114 was first seen and photographed with L77 near Cordova Bay, Vancouver Island BC.
June 2010 L114 has not been seen with its mother in June and is presumed to have died.
January 3, 2010. J47 born to J35. J47 was first seen and photographed with J35 near Vashon Island, Puget Sound.
